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By Stephen Atone Ngomani
Women involved in mining activities in Ward 1, Zvishavane, have raised concern over what they describe as continued violations of their rights and unfair treatment within the mining sector, calling for greater protection and equal opportunities.
The concerns were raised during a male engagement meeting organised by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) on 10 June 2026 at Sabi Vlei under the project Promoting Gender-Responsive Natural Resource and Environmental Governance in Zimbabwe’s Extractive Sector.
The project, currently being implemented in Zvishavane and Shamva districts, seeks to promote gender equality, enhance women’s participation in the extractive sector, and strengthen community accountability in natural resource governance.
During the meeting, women miners highlighted a range of challenges they face in their day-to-day operations, including exploitation by male counterparts, discrimination, abuse of authority by responsible officials, and limited access to mining opportunities and resources.
One participant said women often struggle to have their concerns taken seriously despite making significant contributions to the mining sector.
“Women are working hard in mining, but many of us continue to face discrimination and exploitation. We want equal treatment and opportunities just like our male counterparts,” she said.
Ward 1 Councillor Alle Anderson condemned the treatment of women in the sector and called for urgent intervention from relevant authorities.
“The concerns being raised by women miners are serious and cannot be ignored. Women deserve to work in a safe and supportive environment. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, together with local authorities and other stakeholders, must work towards addressing these challenges and ensuring that women’s rights are protected,” said Anderson.
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Chairperson Shumirai Muzenda said the organisation remains committed to advocating for women miners and ensuring that their concerns are addressed through engagement with government institutions and other stakeholders.
“As WCoZ, we are working closely with various government departments and community leaders to ensure that women have access to support and protection within the mining sector. The issues raised during this meeting demonstrate the need for stronger interventions to safeguard the rights of women and promote gender equality in mining communities,” said Shumirai Muzenda.
She added that empowering women within the extractive sector is critical to achieving sustainable development and improving livelihoods in mining communities.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to create more inclusive and gender-responsive governance systems within Zimbabwe’s extractive industry.
The concerns were raised during a male engagement meeting organised by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) on 10 June 2026 at Sabi Vlei under the project Promoting Gender-Responsive Natural Resource and Environmental Governance in Zimbabwe’s Extractive Sector.
The project, currently being implemented in Zvishavane and Shamva districts, seeks to promote gender equality, enhance women’s participation in the extractive sector, and strengthen community accountability in natural resource governance.
During the meeting, women miners highlighted a range of challenges they face in their day-to-day operations, including exploitation by male counterparts, discrimination, abuse of authority by responsible officials, and limited access to mining opportunities and resources.
One participant said women often struggle to have their concerns taken seriously despite making significant contributions to the mining sector.
“Women are working hard in mining, but many of us continue to face discrimination and exploitation. We want equal treatment and opportunities just like our male counterparts,” she said.
Ward 1 Councillor Alle Anderson condemned the treatment of women in the sector and called for urgent intervention from relevant authorities.
“The concerns being raised by women miners are serious and cannot be ignored. Women deserve to work in a safe and supportive environment. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, together with local authorities and other stakeholders, must work towards addressing these challenges and ensuring that women’s rights are protected,” said Anderson.
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Chairperson Shumirai Muzenda said the organisation remains committed to advocating for women miners and ensuring that their concerns are addressed through engagement with government institutions and other stakeholders.
“As WCoZ, we are working closely with various government departments and community leaders to ensure that women have access to support and protection within the mining sector. The issues raised during this meeting demonstrate the need for stronger interventions to safeguard the rights of women and promote gender equality in mining communities,” said Shumirai Muzenda.
She added that empowering women within the extractive sector is critical to achieving sustainable development and improving livelihoods in mining communities.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to create more inclusive and gender-responsive governance systems within Zimbabwe’s extractive industry.
Published
June 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM
